Kia releases 2012 Rio sketches

Kia says its recently revealed sketches of the next generation Kia Rio marks the next step in the company’s ongoing design revolution.

“Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting progressive, energetic consumers in the 25-to-49 age range,” the automaker said in a release.

Described by Kia’s chief designer Peter Schreyer, as “sporty and elegant,” the sketches show the new B-segment option with a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel.

“Downsizing is becoming more and more of a trend these days and a B-segment car as attractive as all-new Rio, with its driver-oriented cabin and interior trim options, will no doubt help consumers to be more comfortable making that switch,” said Soon-Nam Lee, director of overseas marketing, Kia Motors Corporation.

The new Kia Rio is slated to make its global debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 1, 2011. Kia’s current Rio was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 205,000 units.